This is page numbers 1725 - 1748 of the Hansard for the 19th Assembly, 2nd Session. The original version can be accessed on the Legislative Assembly's website or by contacting the Legislative Assembly Library. The word of the day was residents.

Topics

Power Outages in Whati
Members' Statements

February 4th

Page 1728

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.

Condolences on Passing of Nunakput Constituents
Members' Statements

February 4th

Page 1728

Jackie Jacobson

Jackie Jacobson Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Passing of the constituents in my riding of Nunakput. Elizabeth Kuptana passed away. She was a respected elder, recognized, and she received an award for 20 years of service as an Inuvialuktun teacher. She also ran and coordinated many youth language camps, mainly during the summer, at Greens Island, a.k.a. Egg Island. She was a positive influence and advocate of her lifestyle and a traditional cultural leader.

Sadie Ruben passed away in December at a young age. Sadie was a very energetic and family-oriented person who, through her efforts to improve conditions for her family, moved several times from the community. On her final return home, her home was opened up to many people, including those who were struggling with a place to sleep. She took great care every day to make sure her elder father, Marcus Ruben, Sr., and her uncle David Ruben, the oldest residents, were fed and her personal care given, besides her housecleaning, to help the elders.

Our respect goes out today to the families who all lost loved ones in the Beaufort-Delta in the last few weeks, Mr. Speaker. We have a lot of people hurting, and we just have to keep moving forward and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

The respect today that I have for former Speaker Paul Delorey, Mr. Speaker. He passed away in January. A former colleague of mine, a mentor. He always said that, when he was first elected, my uncle Vince Steen took him under his wing, and so, when I was elected, he thought he'd do the same for me, and he was a big part of my early career as an MLA in this House and sitting on the board of management. We did a lot of good things together, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Davida, and the family back in Hay River. I know you went to his funeral. I thank you for that, to represent us.

Also, while mentioning my uncle Vince, former MLA for Nunakput, today is the 14th anniversary of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with my auntie Betty and the family back home in Tuktoyaktuk, and thoughts and prayers to people who lost loved ones in our territory in the last few months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Condolences on Passing of Nunakput Constituents
Members' Statements

February 4th

Page 1729

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nunakput. Members' statements. Member for Nahendeh.

Fort Liard COVID-19 Outbreak Response
Members' Statements

February 4th, 2021

Page 1729

Shane Thompson

Shane Thompson Nahendeh

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to speak about the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to the community of Fort Liard. As I've heard numerous times, now more than ever we need to come together to support each other. I am proud to say that the community of Fort Liard, local government and residents, the GNWT, and the residents across the NWT have done this with so much class. The response to the COVID crisis has made a positive impact within their community and shows the true spirit of all Northerners.

Being respectful of time and realizing that I cannot do justice to thank everybody in one Member's statement, I will be doing two. The first one highlights some of the amazing things being done by the hamlet, stores, and residents of the community. Here are some of the highlights from the community. As soon as they were aware of the first confirmed case, they kicked in the MO team leadership, RCMP, health centre, and the COVID personnel to start working on things that needed to be done. The hamlet council provided relief for all the residents for the December community services, providing gift cards for groceries for those in need and doing a draw for all residents who got their vaccines, 12 in total, six $100 Visas to each store, most stores being open to provide services to the residents and working on ways to help people.

The hamlet hired a person to assist in the delivery of items for individuals who are currently isolating. The mayor went door-to-door, checking in on residents and seeing if there were any concerns that she should be aware of or if they needed any help, and provided the rapid response team and the vaccine team with a place to stay, feeding them during their time in the community. The local radio, 95.1, provided updates and information on what was happening in both Slavey and English. This was a big help in getting the information out to our elders.

The residents understand the importance of following the recommendations set out by the Chief Public Health Officer. There are many things that I have heard, and all I can say is thank God for the community of Fort Liard working together to help each other in these trying times. Please be safe and follow the rules as we continue to take on this COVID pandemic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Fort Liard COVID-19 Outbreak Response
Members' Statements

February 4th

Page 1729

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Nahendeh. Members' statements. Member for Sahtu.

Eulogy for George Cleary
Members' Statements

February 4th

Page 1729

Paulie Chinna

Paulie Chinna Sahtu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this time to recognize a distinguished Sahtu leader, Mr. George Cleary, who passed away on September 3, 2020, at the age of 65. Mr. Cleary had a long list of accomplishments that are worth noting. He went to elementary and junior high school in Deline, and then to high school in Inuvik, graduated, and also completed the teacher education program in Fort Smith. Once he completed the program, he went off to receive his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

He worked as a teacher and a principal for the Ehtseo Ayha School in Deline. He was also a former chief of the Deline Band, president of the Sahtu Dene Council, vice president for the Dene Nation, chief negotiator for the Sahtu Dene and Metis land claim agreement, advisor to Deline Self-Government Agreement, and the director of Indian and Inuit Services for the federal government.

I would like to highlight his work again on two momentous undertakings of his time. Mr. Cleary worked as a director of intergovernmental relations for Deline in its final push to reach and ratify a self-government agreement. He also played a key role in overseeing and ensuring a final Sahtu land claim agreement that was not only successful but also fair to the Sahtu people.

Mr. George Cleary was inducted into the Northwest Territories Education Hall of Fame in 2014 for making a lasting, positive impression in the field of education. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, taking youth on-the-land, hockey, reading and writing. He is survived by his wife, Doreen Cleary, and his children, Taylor, Brent, and Holly.

Mr. Speaker, his accomplishments to the Northwest Territories and to the people of the Sahtu deserve our greatest attention and gratitude for Mr. Cleary's lifelong dedication for looking out for the welfare of our children, our communities, and not only when he was alive but for generations to come. I would like to express my gratitude to the light and the impact of Mr. George Cleary he had on the Northwest Territories, and also paving the road for future leaders. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Eulogy for George Cleary
Members' Statements

February 4th

Page 1729

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Sahtu. Mr. Cleary, in my past role as Chief, I had the pleasure of working with him as he worked for one of the federal government departments, and he was always great to work with, so accommodating to the communities. We owe him a lot in our communities, as well, as he worked closely with all our bands. Mahsi.

Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Deh Cho.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

February 4th

Page 1729

Ronald Bonnetrouge

Ronald Bonnetrouge Deh Cho

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize my constituency assistant for the Deh Cho and lives in Fort Providence, Karalyn Menicho, who is up in the gallery today. She is here for her constituency assistant's orientation. Karalyn states that she is very pleased with the support and the kindness from the Legislative Assembly staff during her time here. Karalyn is also expecting her second child in March. Colleagues, please help me extend a warm welcome to Karalyn while she's here. Mahsi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

February 4th

Page 1729

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Monfwi.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

February 4th

Page 1729

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] This month is February, and it is Aboriginal language month. I would like to recognize all the interpreters in the House. They have been interpreting for us, but for my language, I have two interpreters, Mary Rose (Maro) Sundberg and Harriet Paul. Her name is Paul. They have been here for many years. We know it is a difficult job as an interpreter, and I respect every one of these interpreters here. Masi. [Translation ends]

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

February 4th

Page 1729

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. Member for Range Lake.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

February 4th

Page 1729

Caroline Cochrane

Caroline Cochrane Range Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a minute to recognize guests in the House and the media. We often talk about the importance of businesses and residents and NGOs and the government in the COVID-19 pandemic, and we don't give enough recognition to the media. A huge thank you to the media for all the work they do to support us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery
Recognition Of Visitors In The Gallery

February 4th

Page 1729

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Range Lake. Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I would like to welcome all the visitors in the gallery with us today. It is always good to have people with us in the House. I know we are not open to the public right now, but it is always good to have media and constituency assistants.

Before we move on, colleagues, I am not sure if my mother is watching today, but she is here in Yellowknife, and it is her birthday, so I would just like to wish her a happy birthday.

--Applause

Item 6, acknowledgements. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Monfwi.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1729

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] When I made my Member's statement, I talked about the generator and the Power Corporation. The people in Whati, this is their message. It is their words I am relaying to the government, so that is what I want to talk about. [Translation ends]

On January 13th, Whati lost two of its three generators. They quit working in the community. It took 20 hours for the power to go back on. When power goes out, maybe it's an accident, but if two goes out, it's neglect. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for NWT Power Corporation. Can the Minister for the Power Corporation tell this House how old Whati generators are and also tell us an average recommended replacement age for these generators in the community? Masi, Mr. Speaker.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister responsible for NWT Power Corporation.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to start off by apologizing to the community of Whati for the outage. The customers in the Northwest Territories experienced three times more power outages than the Canadian average. Severe weather events were a huge driver of customer outages due to high winds, falling trees, heavy rain and lightning, so I just want to start off by that. I heard two questions in that, Mr. Speaker, so let me try and answer one of them. It has been known for years that the NTPC power generating infrastructure, including the Whati, is aging and its impact on reliability. The recent outages in Whati were mostly related to some of the transmission issues, although these issues were with the generators at the same time. One of the transmission issues had to do with one of the sections of the power line that were slapping together with high winds due to causing lines to trip offline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

[Translation] When we stand here in front of the House, we ask these questions so we can prevent some of these things that is happened. The second question is: [Translation ends] When can a community expect to be connected to the power grid, the transmission line that the Minister is referring to, so you can have a reliable power source supply? Urgency for fast tracking on this power grid is necessary, so when can we see that happening.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

The plant in Whati is not scheduled to be replaced in the next five years, although one of the generators will be placed in the next year. I am sure the Member will be happy to hear that. We are working with the generators, which will improve some of the reliability on the plant. We will also be installing some additional mid-line spacers on the affected section of the power line within the next couple of weeks as soon as we can get the bucket truck in and the crew into the community.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

I believe urgency is a must here. The next five years, that is a long time waiting for the community of Whati. They could have a power outage the next day or next week, another 20 hours or 30 hours. It could not be prevented by this department. Part of it is nature. My question to the Minister is: Could this particular project be expedited instead of waiting five years? I know there is a generator that is coming, but the community is wishing and hoping and praying for a transmission line to come into the community ASAP.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

The Whati transmission line is expected to displace 500 litres of diesel usage per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.4 kilotons annually once constructed, which is an important part of our 2030 strategy. Where I am going with this is: Once we have an agreement on the way forward, we can do the necessary costing and technical work to be able to look at putting in a funding application to Canada. I understand that the Member is concerned about some of the timing. Once we get all of our work done, we are hoping to be able to do this by the end of this year.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary. Member for Monfwi.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Jackson Lafferty

Jackson Lafferty Monfwi

Masi, Mr. Speaker. [Translation] If we have to wait for the federal government to respond, it will take years and years and years. Right now, I will have to say, speaking for Whati, we want it here right now. [Translation ends] Even the paperwork alone takes years, and the proposal, submission, and approval can take years, as well. The community of Whati doesn't have the patience for that. They already lost patience when they had 20 hours of power outage. We need to take action now, Mr. Speaker.

My next question is: What special measures has the Minister taken to ensure that a power outage never happens again in Whati or even in other isolated communities in my riding? For instance, will the Minister commit to a comprehensive infrastructure audit to search out maintenance problems, issues, and recommend priority repairs where necessary, Mr. Speaker? Masi.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Diane Archie

Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake

I can't promise no more outages in any of the communities in the Northwest Territories. There may be additional outages. When winds are high, I mentioned earlier that severe winds are huge drivers in terms of some of the outages in our communities. We look at some of our federal funding, to be able to prioritize some of this. I understand that the Member is concerned about the communities and the number of outages that have happened. That is something that we are looking at. I am hoping to replace the generator by the end of the year and am looking at federal funding to be able to look at some infrastructure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 486-19(2): Power Outages in Whati
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

The Speaker

The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Frame Lake.

Question 487-19(2): Sale of the Ekati Mine
Oral Questions

February 4th

Page 1730

Kevin O'Reilly

Kevin O'Reilly Frame Lake

Merci, Monsieur le President. My questions are for the Premier on the sale of the Ekati Mine and whether Cabinet protected the public interest. Can the Premier tell us whether GNWT has agreed to any concessions, debt write-offs, or weakened financial security as part of the sale of the Ekati Mine and assignment of environmental approvals or agreements? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.